Recommendations for a Dog Ramp?

Do you happen to have links to the you tube videos, or can you please tell us what terms you used to search for them?

Search DIY dog boat ramp or pool ramp and you should find lots.
Here are a couple links to get you started.

These all use the industrial mat with pool noodles.
 
This coming season will be the first with our newly rescued 3 year old Labrador Retriever. If he is true to the breed, he will want to be in the water. But I am concerned about getting him out of the water and onto the swim platform and when we are at anchor. Anyone have experience with ramps, ladders, etc?View attachment 54626

We just ordered a “good day load-a-pup from overtons. Looks like it will work well with the swim platforms ladder.
 

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Great ideas, we're using the "Petstep" for boarding at the dock, it's an easy transition from boat to dock and back. But, I was looking to come up with something to get my 90 lb Lab onto the boat should she go over the side when I'm not around and my wife has to deal with getting her out of the water. No simple task in an emergency , trying to come up with an idea that she can quickly attach to the swim platform, so the dog can climb up and something that can be put out quickly.
 
In an emergency, deploying a ramp for the dog would be a challenge. I recommend that the dog has a proper harness on at all times when on the boat. Look for on that allows you to pick up the dog from the handle, but won’t come off the dog. Also make sure the handle is big enough to easily hook the boat hook in. The proper harness will allow you to lift the dog, or at least assist it out of the water. I use this one https://www.kurgo.com/dog-harnesses/enhanced-strength-dog-car-harness/ It has allowed me to retrieve my dog out of the drink several times.
 
Thanks for the info, we are using a vest with a handle, only thing is I'm not seeing my 120lb wife pulling my 90lb wet dog out of the water. I think they'll both end up in the drink. I do appreciate the suggestions.
 
Based in Fl at a live aboard marina . Marina allows dogs .
There is a guy living on his boat that had a St Bernard .
His boat was kept at a fixed dock .
Poor dog , sweet loveable horse kept aboard a boat all day .
His only movement was cabin too deck .
Boat was a older run down liveaboard non working cruiser, limited room .
NO way at low tide dog was getting off boat
Owner made a wooden plank between dock & boat.

DOG WAS WALKING THE PLANK only at high tide too get off and do his business
Spoke too guy & marina about leaving the dog this way , useless .
I left marina 1/2 year, upon my return asked about dog ? Everybody I asked could not remember the guy with St Bernard ? Little hard too forget a situation like that

I had 2 dogs . 90 lb Golden & 15 lb Shih Tzu .
Shih Tzu bossed the golden glued together like THE ODD COUPLE
Never wanting too take both too boat somebody always home .
Sad too say the goldens hips failed . She was 14 which is old for a golden .
Had too put her down .
Recent weeks started taking the Shih Tzu too boat . He is having a blast . Loves hanging on boat , sleeping aboard , and when we leave he is glued in cabin looking out at window for our return . Surly the 69 degrees the A/C pumps he has no complaints
Got too get a dog vest . All 15 lbs I carry him between boat & dock .
Started looking for another rescue Shih Tzu . Never having small dogs , they are perfect size too be on a boat
 
if you had a way to keep the extended swim platform ladder at an angle with some sort of bracket or brace would the dog be able to use the ladder to climb onto the swim platform?.....

just a thought....

cliff
Good idea what about attaching a fender to the bottom of the ladder so it floats behind the swim platform . Maybe also attach heavy duty nylon to the rungs to create a surface forthe poor bugger to crawl up
if you had a way to keep the extended swim platform ladder at an angle with some sort of bracket or brace would the dog be able to use the ladder to climb onto the swim platform?.....

just a thought....

cliff
 
I got a late start in this year’s boat season. I decided not to introduce my Australian Shepherd to the boat until I had really good means to get her out of the water and to prevent falling in. The spring river water is 32-40 deg F until mid May any then is still too cold for me to jump in or fall in. Ironically my dog got loose down at the marina one night. It was sleeting and only about 28 deg. She ran for 5 hours non stop taking a swimming excursion across the slew then chasing up and down the three marinas. I know better than to chase but I just followed the best I could. The park patrol also followed her. She finally ran up to the marina tavern and they let her in until I could come and pick her up.

She is always on leash but this time she jumped out of the car unexpectly.

So for boarding the boat I’m making a rear handrail for the swim platform. It’s very easy to step off it and fall in. It would not be a good thing to do at night spring or fall. The river current is pretty fast and not even a very good swimmer could swim back to the boat or make it to shore without help.

I’ll have a nylon web mesh on it so neither my dog nor a person can slip through it. Then there will be a short 4 post boarding stand with a hand rail “gangway”. My boat is 39’ OAL in a 40’ slip. The river flows perpendicular to the pier and parallel to the slip. We are on the downstream side so park bow in. The upstream side parks stern in.

We have a very narrow area to board as there is a larger post right at the slip end for the floating slips. Daytime is not too bad. The rule is leave items on the slip then board or put items on the slip then disembark. In other words do not be carrying anything as you board or leave.

So a gentle gangway will,make boarding much easier. My dog already knows how to deal with ramps and ladders. She can climb a step ladder easily and I have to work to keep her off them at the shop.

After hearing that a kid fell in at the end of the pier last fall and someone had to go in after him I got very serious about water saftey around the boat. I wear a PFD all the time now at the marina and there are throwables and lines on both sides of my boat. Visitors get a PFD before boarding.

I’m thinking of adding a line from the windshield forward to a cross bar up by the anchor for my dog to run on. The leash will be short enough so she can’t fall overboard. The rear of the boat is enclosed by canvas so that’s not a problem. I could actually keep the canvas closed up to the windshield and just leave the screens closed too. We have lots of bugs so enclosing the cockpit area is almost a must.
 
I just needed it. Thanks a lot for sharing. I took a dog a few days ago and it is very difficult for me to adjust and inform myself now. I try to look for any forum on this topic and read various information on any aspect of dogs and in this way, I begin to understand more and get used to the given situation. I really like to have a dog but it is also a big responsibility. I also ordered a special shampoo for dogs that smells good from https://www.oodlelife.com/best-smelling-dog-shampoo/ and I was very afraid of not having allergies to it. I am happy that everything is going well.
 
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I have a auzzie sheppard, not my first, do not understand why it won't come back when called. They are super smart. Mine does what ever he is told. The marina does not say a thing about him off lead. If we board without him he lays at bottom of steps.
 
This coming season will be the first with our newly rescued 3 year old Labrador Retriever. If he is true to the breed, he will want to be in the water. But I am concerned about getting him out of the water and onto the swim platform and when we are at anchor. Anyone have experience with ramps, ladders, etc?View attachment 54626
My 87# lab was too much to lift repeatedly during the day so invested in a Pup Plank from Soltis.
https://www.amazon.com/Swimline-334...ocphy=9010815&hvtargid=pla-1395143820159&th=1
The only issue I have is that my 2002 340 has center located swim ladder. We need to use it so I mount the plank to one side. The plank slips under the swim deck so am trying to figure out a way to block that from happening. Open to any ideas.
 
My 87# lab was too much to lift repeatedly during the day so invested in a Pup Plank from Soltis.
https://www.amazon.com/Swimline-334...ocphy=9010815&hvtargid=pla-1395143820159&th=1
The only issue I have is that my 2002 340 has center located swim ladder. We need to use it so I mount the plank to one side. The plank slips under the swim deck so am trying to figure out a way to block that from happening. Open to any ideas.
First thought....perhaps weave/tie a dock line to the underside, using the existing structure on each side of the mesh area. Then run each side under the firm section, pulling taut to attach to the platform at the same points as the cording from the rings on the top back edge? That might provide some tension/lift to the edge of the plank that touches your platform.

PupPlank.png
 
My 87# lab was too much to lift repeatedly during the day so invested in a Pup Plank from Soltis.
https://www.amazon.com/Swimline-334...ocphy=9010815&hvtargid=pla-1395143820159&th=1
The only issue I have is that my 2002 340 has center located swim ladder. We need to use it so I mount the plank to one side. The plank slips under the swim deck so am trying to figure out a way to block that from happening. Open to any ideas.

I have the same thing for my Lab. I tie it off over the top of the swim platform and through the vents, so that the line is on top of the platform in both directions. By doing that it stops it from sliding under the platform. Works perfectly that way.
 
If you have a newly rescued Labrador Retriever who loves water, there are ways to assist them in getting out of the water and onto the swim platform or when at anchor. Consider using ramps or specially designed boat ladders that provide easy access for dogs. Train and practice with your Labrador to familiarize them with the ramp or ladder. A properly fitted dog life jacket is essential for safety. Provide support and guidance as needed, and be patient as your dog learns. With time and practice, your Labrador will become comfortable with getting in and out of the water, making your boating adventures enjoyable for both of you.
 
Another Pup Plank user here. After spending 2 seasons trying to make something work, I finally broke down and got the Pup Plank and kicked myself for not doing it sooner. It took my lab about 2 tosses to figure it out and nothing has been easier for her to use.
 

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